Forensic Psychological Assessment and Forensic Science

Year
4
Academic year
2014-2015
Code
02018106
Subject Area
Psychology
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
4.0
Type
Compulsory
Level
2nd Cycle Studies - Mestrado

Recommended Prerequisites

It is recommended, but not mandatory, that students have completed the unit Psychological Assessment I and Psychological Assessment II

Teaching Methods

The unit takes place using lectures, analysis and discussion of assessment protocols and reports in the areas of Forensic Psychology mentioned in the syllabus. It will also include the use of role-play activities with the simulation of assessment protocols

Learning Outcomes

General Objectives:

a) To promote the acquisition of knowledge about the various areas of the forensic context in which psychological assessment is required;

b) To develop skills in planning, implementation and analysis of assessment protocols depending on the judicial requests;

c) To understand the structure of the reports in forensic context depending on the request and assessment protocol

d) To know the limits of psychological assessment and psychological testing in forensic context


Theoretical skills, it is aimed that students:

- Know the different models and protocols for assessment in forensic context

- Identify assessment protocols adjusted to the particular situations of the forensic context


Practical Skills, it is aimed that students:

- Plan and design assessment protocols adapted to specific processes;

- Identify the opportunities, difficulties and limitations of various methodologies and assessment tools in forensic context.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Psychological assessment in forensic context: assessment tools, assessment protocols, reporting in different areas:

a) Psychological evaluation of children and adolescents victims of violence / neglect.

b) Psychological assessment of adults victims of violence in different contexts

c) Assessment of risk of abuse and neglect in childhood.

d) Assessment of risk of abuse and neglect in the elderly.

e) Evaluation in the context of custody and adoption.

f) Specific assessment in forensic context of people with disabilities.

g) Forensic interview with children and credibility assessment.

Head Lecturer(s)

Isabel Maria Marques Alberto

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment
Group work: 25.0%
Individual work: 25.0%
Knowledge evaluation test : 50.0%

Final assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Alberto, I.M. (2006). Abuso Sexual de Crianças: o Psicólogo na encruzilhada da ciência com a Justiça. In A.C. Fonseca; M.R. Simões, M.C. T. Simões & M.S. Pinho (Eds.). Psicologia Forense. (pp. 437-470). Coimbra: Almedina
Browne, K. D., Beech, A. R., & Craig, L. A. (Eds) (2010). Assessments in forensic practice: A handbook. New York: Wiley-Blackwell.
Drogin, E. Y., Dattilio, F. M., Sadoff, R. L., Gutheil, T. G. (2011). Handbook of forensic assessment: Psychological and psychiatric perspectives. New York: Wiley.
Fonseca, A. C., Simões, M. R., Simões M.C.T., & Pinho, M.S. (Eds.) (2006). Psicologia Forense. Coimbra: Almedina.
Graham, J. T. & Crighton, D. A. (2010). Forensic psychology. Chichester: BPS Blackwell.      
Huss M. T. (2009). Forensic psychology: Research, clinical practice, and applications. Malden MA: Wiley-Blackwell
O'Donohue, W. T., & Levensky, E. R.  (2004). Handbook of forensic psychology: Resource for mental health and legal professionals. Amsterdam: Elsevier.